What Are Rubber Expansion Joints?
A rubber expansion joint is a flexible connector that absorbs vibration, noise, shock, vibration, physical, and thermal energy. Rubber expansion joints are typically made of natural or synthetic elastomers. These elastomers are generally reinforced with polyester, fabrics, and metal for strength and pressure resistance. Generally we’re limited to 300 psi on rubber expansion joints. Metal control units are often recommended externally for movement control.
Rubber expansion joints have various different application areas such as:
- Heating and cooling devices
- Water pipes
- Desalination plants
- Compressors
- Blowers and fans
- Cement industry
- Chemical industry
- Suction & discharge transfer systems
Why Use Rubber Expansion Joints?
Rubber expansion joints provide flexibility allowing concurrent movements, isolation of vibration, reduction of noise, resistance to abrasion and chemical erosion within fluid systems. Some benefits of using rubber expansion joints include:
Vibration Reduction
Rubber expansion joints prevent unbalanced forces building up to a level where they can damage a fluid system. Rubber expansion joints dampen these disturbances while providing resistance against shock stress from hydraulic surge and water hammer.
Sound Reduction
Rubber expansion joints dampen sound transmission with their rubber to steel interface. When compared to full metal joints, thick-walled rubber expansion joints offer a much higher reduction of sound transmission.
Ease of Installation
Rubber expansion joints are light in weight compared to metal expansion joints. This makes them easy to handle when it comes to the installation process. The vulcanized rubber and fabric flanges of elastomeric expansion joints are integrated and therefore do not require additional gaskets which also eliminates the need for ongoing gasket maintenance checking.
Corrosion, Abrasion, and Erosion Resistance
Rubber joints have thick wall elements anywhere, from 12mm to over 25mm. These types of expansion joints are resistant to erosion and abrasion whereas metal expansion joints are susceptible to both. Natural, synthetic, and special purpose elastomers and fabrics are available to create high performance rubber expansion joints to meet challenging operating conditions. Special polymers resist chemicals, oil, sunlight, acid fumes, ozone and external coatings can be added for further protection.
When to Use Rubber Expansion Joints
Use rubber expansion joints to isolate equipment such as pumps, compressors and chillers from the piping system. A variety of configurations of joints are available accommodating different shapes, service and connection requirements.
Our Quality Expansion Joints
At Stenzel Mechanical and Sealing Solutions, we provide high quality rubber expansion joints to work with. We have a team of specialists with over 100 years of combined experience working with contractors and facilities in the power, water, food & beverage, HVAC, and semiconductor industries. We are ready to help you find the best expansion joints for your next project. Contact us today and get a free consultation so we can help you with exactly what you need.
Your Trusted Rubber Expansion Joint Supplier
At Stenzel Sealing Solutions, we provide various industries with premium rubber expansion joints such as:
Our top-tier rubber expansion joint options are designed to elevate your industrial systems to a new level of performance. We are committed to your success and nothing less.